Subject: TFS - A Model for Implementation & the TFS Online Learning Community

Hi IMYM teachers,

Since your work as IMYM teachers contributes significantly to the implementation of Technology as a Foundation Skill (TFS) at middle years, I want to alert you to a new initiative that will develop a model for the implementation of TFS in all Manitoba K-8 classrooms.  This initiative is described to superintendents in the letter below my signature.

To provide an opportunity for your ongoing input into this initiative, I am inviting you to join the TFS Online Learning Community. 

By becoming a member of the TFS Online Learning Community, you can access links to relevant online resources from across Manitoba, Canada, and internationally.  But more importantly, you can participate in ongoing online discussions with likeminded professionals on topics related to the TFS Model as it develops! 

The TFS Online Learning Community will be ongoing, active, and will evolve with the latest information and opportunity for discussion about TFS - A Model for Implementation.

What:   TFS Online Learning Community

When:   Starting on December 8, 2003 and ongoing as the TFS - A Model for Implementation is developed

If you are interested in participating in the TFS Online Learning Community please email me and I will enroll you as a member and then send you the details on how to log in.

To:     Superintendents of Education

Re:     Computer Literacy: TFS - A Model for Implementation

I am writing to inform you of a new Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning initiative that will build on the framework of Technology as a Foundation Skill Area: A Journey Toward Information Technology Literacy (TFS) 1998, and will incorporate promising practices from the current work of:

• educational researchers
• Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
• Manitoba School Divisions
• K-8 classroom teachers

The development and implementation of TFS - A Model for Implementation will result in:

• a clear definition of student information and communication technology (ICT) literacy that will be understood by students, teachers, and parents
• a skills continuum of how K-8 students can use ICT to enable their learning, with checkpoints at grades 2, 4, 6, 8
• teacher access to professional learning related to ICT integration with curricular outcomes
  ·       improved student ICT literacy
  ·       a parent report on student ICT literacy from K-S4
  ·       parents who are informed about grade-appropriate student use of ICT

Selected Manitoba educators will be invited to participate in the development of the TFS - A  Model for Implementation based on factors such as grade level expertise as well as regional, French, and Aboriginal representation.  Participation of these educators will be confirmed with their principal and superintendent.

If your school division has already developed materials based on the current TFS framework, and you would like to share these with the TFS - A Model for Implementation development team, you may submit these to the project leader:

Cheryl Prokopanko
Distance Learning and Information Technologies Unit
E220-1970 Ness Avenue
Winnipeg MB  R3J 0Y9
(204) 945-6435
Email:  cprokopank@gov.mb.ca

These materials will be used by the development team in their review of the current state of TFS implementation in Manitoba.  Materials used by the development team will be cited appropriately. Updates on the development of the TFS - A Model for Implementation will be communicated through Education Manitoba and the K-S4 Website at: <http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/tech/index.html>.

Yours sincerely,

Pat Rowantree
Deputy Minister
Education, Citizenship and Youth